Propeller drive



Nov. 18, 1941. w. T. MORRIS 2,262,854

PROPELLER DRIVE Filed 0G13. l5, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov.- 18, 1941. w. T. MORRIS 2,262,854

PROPELLER DRIVE Filed oct. 15, 1940 2 sheets-sheet 2 WA RRE/V 7'. MOPP/S.

Patented Nov. 18, 1941 `UNITED STATES PATENT-OFFICE PROPELLER DRIVE Warren T. Morris, Springfield, Mo. Application october 15, 1940, seria1N0. 3s1,3oz

2 Claims.

This invention relates to a power boosting device for propellers.

An object of the invention is to provide a new and improved means for increasing the eiciency of any propeller, or fan, preventing the loss of power by reducing turbulence in the immediate vicinity of said propeller or fan.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the tip loss at the end of the propeller or fan, due to the action of the novel structure of the vanes, and preventing the air from moving away from the propeller blades.

A still further object of the invention is to increase the efciency of the propeller due to the compressibility eifect produced by the novel construction, causing the air to flow through the propeller, and the vanes located aft of the propeller.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention comprises certain novel constructions, combinations, and arrangements of parts as will be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a device constructed in accordance with present invention.

Figure 2 is a View in side elevation.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the device.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the vanes.

Figure 5 is a view in front elevation of another embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 6 is a side view thereof.

Figure '7 is a view in side elevation of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a view in front elevation of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a sectional View taken on line 9-9, Fig. 8, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawings by numeral, I designates the hood of an airplane motor, of any desired construction. The propeller 2 extends beyond hood I, and said propeller includes the blades 3, in all the embodiments of this invention.

Referring specifically to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, each vane 4 comprises an elongated flat straight body 5 which is provided on its inner end with an integral right-angled base ange 6. A broad curved fin 1 is formed on the outer end of body 5; this fm 1 is broader than l body 5, with an overhanging shoulder 8, under which the outer ends of blades 3 pass. Any number of vanes 4 can be placed upon the hood I,

`with their base flanges 6 securely fastened to the hood in any suitable manner. The curved fin 'I extends in opposite direction to the line of rotation of the propeller, as is clearly seen by referring to the arrows A in Fig. 1.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, each vane 9 comprises a straight elongated at body III; each body Ill being provided with an integral right-angled base flange II. Flange Il is fastened to the hood I. 'Ihe inner edge I2 of each vane I0 is curved throughout its length to better adapt it to the propeller 2.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, each vane unit I3 comprises a bracket I4, which bracket I4 includes a straight body I5, with an inner right-angled base flange III, and an outer right-angled flange Il, that overhangs the propeller 2. A vane I 8 is attached to flange I'I; this vane comprises a curved body I9 that has on its outer end a broad curved fin 29. An overhanging shoulder 2I, similar to shoulder 8, is formed on the vane I8. By this peculiar construction, the outer ends of the blades 3 are permitted to pass under the vanes I8, during the rotation of the propeller.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 a plurality of vanes 22 are integrally connected by ring 23. E'ach vane 22 comprises a bifurcated body 24, including an inner section 25 and an outer section 26. An integral curved fin 21 extends from the outer ends of sections 25 and 26. Each inner section 25 is provided with a rightangled base flange 28. The flanges 28 are fixedly secured in any suitable manner to hood I. The propeller blades 3 revolve within the structure shown in Figures 8 and 9, between the sections 25 and 26 of vanes 22. As in the case of Figures 1 to 4, the line of rotation of the propeller 2 is opposite to the extended position of the curved fins 21, as indicated by arrow B, Fig. 8.

By reason of the peculiar construction of the vanes, air or water is pulled into the propeller or fan and is prevented from escaping outwardly. The vanes reduced turbulence in immediate vicinity of propeller due to the straightening effect of the vanes located after or before, or both before and after the propeller or fan, as shown in the drawings.

It is to be understood that the vanes do not revolve, but remain stationary at all times. It is also to be understood that if the operator desires, mounting braces and supports (not shown) may be employed to hold the vanes assembled to the plane, or whatever the vanes may be used upon, or in connection with. The accompanying drawings show the device on the outlet (Figs. 1 to 6) side of the propeller, or on the inlet side of the propeller. (Fig. '7), or on both the inlet and outletV side of the propeller or fan (Figs. 8 and 9).

While I have described the preferred embodiments of my invention and illustratedy the same in the accompanying drawings, lcertain changes or alterations may appear to one skilled in theY art to which thisinvention relates during the extensive manufacture of the same and I, therefore, reserve the right to make such changes or y alterations as shall fairly fall within the scope f of the appended claims.

. What I claim is: y

1. In a device of the class described,.the combination with a hood and a propeller, of vanes contiguous to said propeller, eachvane comprisv bination with a hood and a propeller, of vanes contiguous to said propeller, each vane comprising a body straight throughout its length, a curved iin on the outer end ofi said straight body, said fin being Wider than the outer end of said straight body, whereby a portion of said n being laterally-extending and overhanging said propeller, and means supporting said vane upon said hood. l

WARREN T. MORRIS. 

